The U.S.-Russia Ukraine ceasefire negotiations concluded after several hours.

Key Chapter Title List

1. Basic Process of US-Russia Riyadh Ceasefire Negotiations
2. Trump's Ceasefire Proposal and Pre-Negotiation Background
3. Consultations on Issues Related to the Restart of the Black Sea Initiative
4. Adjustment in Negotiation Format: From Parallel to Sequential Sessions
5. Statements from Parties on Expectations for Negotiation Prospects
6. Putin's Alternative Ceasefire Proposal: Pause in Attacks on Energy Facilities
7. Historical Background of the Black Sea Initiative and Russia's Reasons for Withdrawal
8. Ukraine's Expanded Ceasefire Proposal
9. Military and Cyber Operation Dynamics on the Eve of Negotiations
10. Impact of US-Russia Relations Thaw on Negotiations
11. UK-France Allies' Plan to Guarantee the Ceasefire Agreement
12. Missile Attack Incident in Sumy Region and Its Impact

Document Introduction

On March 25, 2025, Russian and US officials held talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a partial ceasefire for Ukraine. The talks officially concluded after 12 hours, with the Russian side stating that a joint statement would be released the following day. Centered on a Black Sea ceasefire as the core agenda, these talks took place as the conflict in Ukraine entered its third year. US President Donald Trump is committed to pushing for a rapid end to the war, hoping this round of negotiations would lay the groundwork for a breakthrough.

The situation in Ukraine remained tense on the eve of and during the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a densely populated residential area in the northeastern Sumy region was hit by a missile attack, injuring nearly 90 people, including 17 children, with multiple apartment buildings, educational facilities, and a hospital affected. Simultaneously, both sides launched new waves of drone attacks on the eve of the talks, and Ukraine's national railway operator suffered complex cyberattacks for two consecutive days. These developments added a complex backdrop to the ceasefire negotiations.

One of the core topics of this round of talks was the restart of the Black Sea Initiative. Initially brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in 2022, it allowed Ukrainian ports to export millions of tons of grain and other agricultural products. However, Russia withdrew in 2023, accusing the West of failing to fulfill promises to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that restarting the Black Sea Initiative was Trump's proposal, agreed to by Putin, and this constituted the core mandate for the Russian delegation's participation.

The format of the negotiations was adjusted from the original plan. Initially intended to use shuttle diplomacy with parallel US-Ukraine and US-Russia talks, it was ultimately changed to sequential sessions. The Ukrainian negotiation team had previously held talks with the US side and planned to meet again on the 25th, which was seen as a potential sign of progress. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the talks, believing a Black Sea ceasefire agreement would pave the way for a comprehensive ceasefire. However, the Kremlin downplayed expectations for a quick resolution, with Peskov stating the negotiations were still in their early stages and many difficulties lay ahead.

In earlier negotiations, Kyiv had agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, but Putin rejected it. During a lengthy conversation with Trump, Putin proposed a pause in attacks on energy facilities as an alternative. Ukraine, meanwhile, advocated for an expanded ceasefire scope covering energy facilities, infrastructure, and maritime strikes. Furthermore, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed willingness to send ground troops to Ukraine. Their defense ministers met in London on the day of the talks to discuss allied plans for guaranteeing the ceasefire agreement.

The Riyadh talks represent a significant diplomatic interaction against the backdrop of thawing US-Russia relations during the Trump administration. Peskov emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between the US and Russia in various fields, stating that despite differences, common interests should not be abandoned. The outcome of the talks and the content of the subsequent joint statement will have a critical impact on the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict and the regional geopolitical landscape.